When I first started this fundraiser, I was recovering from emergency retina surgery after a complete retinal detachment in my right eye.

What I didn’t realize then was just how long and unpredictable this recovery would be.

Back in July, I first noticed a strange floating line in the center of my vision while flying home after working UFC’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas. That eventually turned into flashes, blurry vision, loss of color, five retinal tears, multiple laser treatments, and finally a complete retinal detachment involving the macula.

By August 31, I had lost all vision in my right eye.

I had a vitrectomy on September 1. The retina was repaired and reattached, and silicone oil was placed inside the eye to help hold everything in position while it heals.

The surgery went well, and I’m extremely grateful for that.

Recovery, however, has continued to throw a few surprises at me.

I’m now about 40 days into recovery, and because of fluid buildup in my eye, I’m back to face-down positioning restrictions again.

Apparently my recovery decided I needed a refresher course. 😂

We’re hoping the positioning helps, but there is also a possibility that I may need another surgery. If that happens, it could essentially reset the recovery clock and mean another stretch of healing, more medical costs, and more missed work.

I do have a full-time job, but the amount of work I’ve had to miss is becoming increasingly costly. Meanwhile, medical expenses, follow-up care, everyday bills, and recovery-related costs continue whether I’m able to work normally or not.

That’s why I’m continuing to ask for help.

Donations are helping with medical and recovery expenses, lost income from missed work, follow-up care, possible additional treatment, and everyday expenses while I continue healing.

If you’re able to donate, I’m incredibly grateful. If donating isn’t possible, sharing this fundraiser is a huge help too. Every share puts it in front of someone I may never reach on my own.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, checked on me, sent encouragement, or simply stayed in my corner through all of this. It means more than I can say.

I’m still hopeful, still healing, and still looking forward to the day when my eye is no longer one of the main characters in every conversation. 😂

And if anyone figures out how to officially unsubscribe from eye problems, please send me the cancellation form.